Chicago boutique sensation Akira recently took its game to a new level, moving closer to the fashion-show spectaculars that Macy’s Glamorama represents, and taking it a long way from its nightclub foundations. On a day when Hurricane Ike was reaching all the way from the Gulf Coast up to Chicago, Akira produced a multimedia fashion show that occupied the House of Blues with a voodoo-inspired theme drawn from the back streets of New Orleans and the bayou. Live music-performance acts Brilliant Pebbles and He Say, She Say provided atmosphere. Ford models sporting featured labels Chinese Laundry, 7Diamonds, Artful Dodger, FiveFour, Ben Sherman and PF Flyers showed Akira’s fall looks. (Brian Hieggelke)

1421 W. 18th, (312)226-4040, zapatillasinc.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Chinese Laundry, Steven, Bamboo, Anne Michelle, Me Too, Nine West; bags by Latico and Franco Sarto. Owner: After a retail-filled career, Sylvia Rocha opened up her shoe shop in her native Pilsen neighborhood, aiming to bring style and value to the community. Zapatilla means “slipper” in Spanish. Vibe: Stylishly low-maintenance. The ambiance is attractive yet no-frills, and shoppers here can get in and get out easily, as neatly stacked boxes full of shoes line the walls below their corresponding displays. Price Range: Inexpensive. The Look: For the comfortable shoe fetishist, Zapatillas stocks footwear that keeps up with both the latest trends and classic looks, yet at the core remains easy to wear. Perfect for the many commuters of Pilsen. Shopper’s Perks: Realizing that Chicago women will undoubtedly don a bridesmaid dress at some point, Rocha stocks a wide selection of Nina dye-able shoes in styles that are modern, stylish and, yes, flawlessly dyeable.

Zapatillas

5216 N. Clark, (773)989-4420 (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Hot Kiss, Soda Blue, Tulle and Chinese Laundry. Owner: Presence was started in 1969 by “two hippy women who opened a shop in their living room on Broadway.” Today, Joanna Miner (daughter of one of the founders) owns the boutique. Vibe: Pop tunes surge through an open-but-packed boutique. Carefully-put-together ensembles are propped up on the wall to give shoppers what-to-pair-with-what inspiration. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Fun, girly and trend-driven. Shopper’s Perks: At Presence, “It’s very easy to buy an entire outfit—jewelry included—for under $120 dollars,” says Joanna Miner.

Presence

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

1837 W. North, (773)489-0818 (women’s flagship store), 1922 W. North, (312)423-6693 (men), 1849 W. North, (773)342-8684 (shoes), 2357 N. Clark, (773)404-5826; 122 S. State, (312)346-3034; 643 W. Diversey, (773)649-9257; akirachicago.com (1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Goods: Women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and shoes. Designers: Rock & Republic, Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, Max & Cleo, DKNY, Salvage, Gold Sign, Ben Sherman, Free People, Kensie, Kitchen Orange,Mieko Mellucci, French Connection, Serfontaine; dresses by BCBG, Anna Sui and Betsey Johnson; sunglasses by Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana and Just Cavalli; Monarchy, 7Diamonds, Tankfarm, Ben Sherman, Custo Barcelona and Scotch & Soda for men, shoes by Ted Baker, Creative Recreation, L.A.M.B., Chinese Laundry, Schutz, Adidas and Converse. Owners: College friends Eric Hsueh, Jon Cotay and Erikka Wang began their North Avenue domination with the Akira women’s store in 2002. Now Akira encompasses several different stores all over the city, and 20,000 square feet of retail space on a single street in Bucktown. Vibe: The atmosphere mimics the clothes—it’s young, poppy and vibrant. Clothing is organized by color and designer so you don’t have to mess around. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: With so many designers, there are so many looks. But a youthful energy shines in feminine prints, bright colors, current trends and designer denim. You can score everything from denim-focused, kick-it gear to an ensemble perfect for sipping martinis at Enclave. Shopper’s Perks: The store’s personal shoppers expertly lead you through “one-stop shopping”—they’re happy to grab shoes or accessories from the other stores to completely finish your look. Stop by to pick out an outfit for a night out and receive complimentary club passes.

Akira Wicker Park

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Akira

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008